5 things we can learn from real estate in 2018

With much of 2018 in the rear-view mirror, It’s been quite the year for the housing market in the GTA and elsewhere in Ontario. From sales and price fluctuations to supply concerns to rising housing costs. As 2019 approaches, here are five things we can learn from real estate in 2018.

1 Get used to the affordability issue

Get used to affordability challenges, especially in the GTA. This oft-cited issue is not going away any time soon, despite lobbying from the likes of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) and the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB).

Key economic fundamentals such as population and employment growth will continue to drive housing market demand. Over the next decade, almost 700,000 first-time buyers will target the GTA or Hamilton markets, according to a report from the Ontario Real Estate Association. Meanwhile, the supply of new homes is not yet being addressed, which contributes to rising prices.

With recent interest rate hikes and other changes, sales and prices in the GTA saw some moderation in 2018. But this will be short-lived, and a return to price growth is expected.

2 Increased government involvement – finally

Government lobbying by BILD and TREB seems to be paying off, in the sense that the Province is increasingly aware of the issues facing the industry – and buyers.

Buyers, you may not realize it, but you should thank BILD, TREB and other associations for that.

In late November, Ontario announced it was committing to a housing action plan “to help create more housing faster, give people more choice and bring down housing costs.”

Like anything involving government, though, this process will likely be slow moving – meaning, some of the challenges, namely increasing housing supply – will take time to be resolved.

But at least the issues are on the agenda.

One real example of this improved awareness is Ontario’s recent plan to change the 40-year-old apprenticeship system in the province – a move the home building industry says is a “game changer.”

It’s a game changer because the new one-to-one ratio, a significant change from the existing 3-to-1 ratio, will enable home builders and renovators to more easily hire and train new apprentices. Besides creating more job opportunities for trades workers, the move also helps builders and renovators operate their businesses

3 Fixing on interest rates

The Bank of Canada raised its overnight rate three times in 2018 – January, July and October – to where it sits now, 1.75 per cent.

Canada’s major banks, as is usually the case, responded by immediately raising their own rates.

Naturally, all of this has Canadians feeling a little uneasy.

The Conference Board of Canada’s latest Index of Consumer Confidence confirms that rising interest rates and weaker wage growth have started to take their toll on confidence. With interest charges squeezing Canadian wallets and weakening wage growth offering little reprieve, consumers have become hesitant to make major purchases and are less positive about the state of their finances.

In its latest rate announcement on Dec. 5, the Bank of Canada noted that global economic expansion is slowing, and the effects of the “oil price shock” are being monitored.

“We expect that the Bank will not move the overnight rate until the effects of the declining energy sector are known,”according to interest rate comparison website ratehub.ca. “However, the Bank makes it clear that they still plan on raising the key interest rate in 2019, likely more than once.”

This moderated stance might put downward pressure on fixed rate mortgages, however, so Canadians may see better fixed rates in the coming weeks, ratehub.ca says.

4 Real estate is more local than ever

It’s a simple point that escapes some consumers: Real estate is local, and in 2018, it became more local than ever.

What do we mean?

Well, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) and other major real estate bodies are mandated to oversee the national market.

So, when CREA issues a release that says Canadian home sales are down by X per cent, or when CMHC reports the national vacancy rate is down for the second consecutive year – and major media report such headlines – people tend to worry.

It’s essential to remember, however, that when you buy a home, you don’t buy the national market. You buy one house, on one street, in one neighbourhood, in one city and region.

If you live in Ontario, why do you care that Alberta’s ongoing oil industry struggles are pulling sales and prices down in markets in that province? Or that prices in Vancouver are even less affordable than in Toronto?

Forget the national headlines. Drill down into what’s happening in your market.

And why is real estate more local then ever? Because…

5 Lessons from Oshawa

General Motors Canada’s November announcement that it was closing its Oshawa assembly plant sent shockwaves not just through the province but all of Canada. To be sure, the loss of at least 2,500 jobs – not to mention untold positions in related suppliers – in a community of 170,000, is going to hurt. Hurt whom, and how badly, are the only questions.

This development should serve as a stark reminder to us all – of how important it is for cities to develop diversified, modern economies. Overdependence on any one ge, singular industries leads to overexposure in the case of downturns or, in GM’s case, outright shutdowns. It hurts the local economy, which impacts employment and wage growth, which impacts the housing market.

Oshawa, thankfully in recent years, has been diversifying its economy and expanding in technology, education and other industries. It will help, but the impact of the GM closure will likely play out over many months, if not years.

These developments could push housing in Oshawa into a buyers’ market, and prospective buyers could benefit from more options and softening prices.

In new homes, builders remain undeterred, encouraged by the longer-term growth and development throughout the Durham Region. Still, some may offer incentives such as discounts or inclusions to entice qualified buyers.

The Bank of Canada held its target for the overnight rate at 1.75 per cent on Jan. 9, where it has been since October 2018, and is lowering its growth forecast this year for Canada and around the world.

It may be a new year, but not necessarily a happy one for everyone. A new CIBC poll finds paying down debt is the top financial priority for Canadians heading in 2019. Almost a third (29 per cent) say they've taken on more debt in the past 12 months, citing day-to-day expenses as the key reason for piling up debt.

Pantone’s 2019 Colour of the Year “Living Coral” can do almost anything, proving itself to be much more than just an accent colour. We sat down with Nicholas Rosaci, interior design expert and upcoming speaker at the 2019 GTA Home & Reno Show, to talk decor trends and learn how to incorporate this vibrant hue into our home for the upcoming year.

A team of volunteers from Great Gulf recently prepared and served food at Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in Toronto, by participating in the Home for Dinner program bringing smiles and a delicious, hot dinner to 150 people.

The GTA new home market saw more typical activity levels in November, both in new home sales and new project openings, after a relatively strong October, the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) reports.

Luxury home builder and land developer, Kylemore Communities/Angus Glen Development, embraced the spirit of giving this season with a donation to benefit Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation and by hosting an annual Holiday Celebration for consultants, suppliers and staff.

Through our customer feedback, we have learned the importance of ‘service’. You said and we listened. We addressed your needs and improvised; bringing you services and quality no one in the industry offers.

More than a kitchen and bath luxury showroom, The Water Closet offers unparalleled service, selection and solutions for all your plumbing and heating needs. Our goal is to be your full-service showroom while “Enhancing the Flow of Life”.

We've been proudly serving the community for more than 160 years. We deliver natural gas safely and reliably to two million homes and businesses across Ontario. With safety as our ongoing priority, we're committed to making communities better places to live.

BONE Structure has designed and patented a structural steel frame and insulation system that is the best integrator to build Net-Zero Energy custom homes. Using an integrated process inspired by the aerospace industry, we design and build high-performance, sustainable homes.

Fisher & Paykel incorporates the world’s most innovative technologies and produce the most technically advanced, efficient and contemporary styled appliances. DCS created the first line of high end, commercial quality appliances and expanded to pioneer indoor and outdoor kitchen solutions for the at home chef. TRADE ONLY.

At Riobel we design, create and assemble faucets, shower systems and accessories in our Canadian facility located in St-Jérôme, a suburb of Montréal. Our modern and fashionable products are designed to fit all kitchens or bathrooms. They are easy to install, while mechanical parts are accessible from above the counter to facilitate cleaning and maintenance. Riobel: a benchmark of excellence since 1995!

Over the past 14 years Factory Tile Depot has become #1 for everything tile and stone. With 5 locations showcasing the latest and greatest trends in the tile industry, we have built the confidence of trade and retail clients alike. We are proud to offer well thought out showrooms, extensive selections of hard to find tile-stone, on site designers, and some of the best after care support in the industry. Experience the FTD difference on your next project.

Cosentino is a global, family-owned company that produces and distributes high value innovative surfaces for the world of architecture and design, leaders in their respective segments such as Silestone® Quartz surfaces and Dekton® Ultracompact surfaces. Technologically advanced surfaces that create unique designs for the home and public spaces.

Since 1989 Men At Work has specialized in renewing and enlarging older houses in core Toronto neighbourhoods. We are experts in managing the challenges of renovating sensitive old buildings into beautiful, functional, comfortable living spaces.

Euro-Line Appliances has brought elite European engineered appliances to Canadian homes for over 25 years. Our brands exceed expectations and have earned awards in design, engineering, performance, and energy efficiency. All of our cooking, refrigeration, dishwashers, and laundry appliances are created to conserve our non-renewable resources.

Created by fusion of exceptional design, superior quartz quality and cutting-edge technology, HansStone Quartz weaves together intriguing patterns and colours inspired by the diverse Canadian landscape.

With over 90 years of experience, BLANCO is the leading kitchen sinks and faucets manufacturer. From handcrafted in Germany Steelart® sinks and the beauty of Silgranit®, to the European design faucets, BLANCO products are celebrated worldwide for their unmatched quality and design. Blanco Silgranit® sinks are proudly manufactured in Canada TRADE ONLY.

Established in 1987, Caesarstone pioneered the original quartz surface and continues to be a leading developer and manufacturer of premium surfaces. Highly functional and design forward, Caesarstone surfaces have endless application possibilities including kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, wall paneling, furniture and more.

Fusion Stone is an easy and budget-friendly way to beautifully upgrade your home, inside and out. A patented Shouldice innovation, Fusion Stone is a thin stone veneer that is easily installed with the included stainless steel clips & screws. You just screw it to the wall and it’s “Hooked for Life”.

Sharing Passion & Performance. With our unique expertise and sensibilities, gained from our devotion to sound and music, we are committed to creating excitement and cultural inspiration together with people around the world.

X-Tile is sure to have whatever you need to express your unique individual style. We offer you an exceptional variety of wall and flooring options in ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, glass, mosaic and much more from leading suppliers around the world. Let our knowledgeable and friendly staff help you in your dream renovation or building project.

The Spring and Fall BabyTime Shows are Toronto’s ORIGINAL BABY SHOWS. There is no other baby show in the Toronto area that has the major brands, unique artisans, innovative products, important services, parenting experts, stellar education and top notch toddler entertainment all under one roof.

Get a head start on your renovations at the first home show of the year. At the GTA Home & Reno Show you’ll find the GTA’s top contractors and suppliers, celebrity experts, hands-on learning, and local designers, all ready to help with your next project.

Omega Kitchen Hoods: Specializing in Precast Range Hoods. Omega stone cast hoods are manufactured in a multitude of custom finishes including metallic offerings like copper, pewter and stainless steel, each one created with precision and durability. From inspiration to installation... With Omega Mantels & Mouldings.

Freedom of the press and humanity are the foundation of Epoch Times; our beginnings hailed from a great need to provide uncensored news to a people immersed in propaganda and censorship in China. Integrity and truthfulness in reporting, together with the stories that really matter, are cornerstones to Epoch Times.

Affordability Is A Challenge

Housing supply is not rising in response to increased demand

Every fall, BILD invites experts on economics and housing to join us for breakfast and speak to our members about what the GTA housing market will look like in the coming year. This fall was no exception and I was heartened by much of what I heard about current and future trends from Patricia Arsenault of Altus Group and Dana Senagama of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). I also saw we have much left to do around housing supply and affordability in our region.

There’s no doubt we have a lot to look forward to in the GTA. Economic conditions are expected to be solid in the short term, with the employment growth rate projected to be 1.8 per cent in 2019, according to Arsenault, who is Altus Group’s executive vice president, data solutions.

More GTA households than last year are planning renovations of over $5,000 in the next year, and the percentage of GTA households that currently rent but plan to buy a home in the next year has rebounded after softening last summer, according to Altus Group’s survey.

But these survey results only indicate what homeowners and potential new homebuyers intend to do, not what they are ultimately able to do, and Arsenault noted that households may take longer to save for that first home in the face of new mortgage hurdles and housing affordability challenges. The prices of condo apartments, which used to offer potential homebuyers a more affordable choice than single-family homes, have been rising, reducing the advantage of this option. In September, the benchmark price of new condo apartments was $789,643 and the benchmark price of new single-family homes at $1,119,533.

Despite rapid price gains in both ownership and rental markets, the supply response has been weak or inelastic, said Senagama, who is CMHC’s manager of market analysis. That means our housing supply is not rising in response to increased demand for housing and the corresponding increase in the prices of homes, as the law of supply and demand would lead us to expect. In fact, Senagama showed that Toronto is one of the markets in Canada that are not at the risk of overbuilding.

I was not surprised to hear this. BILD has consistently delivered the same message. We have said that we are not building enough housing to accommodate the 115,000 new residents who are arriving in our region every year. We should be building 50,000 homes every year, and last year we only built 38,000. A big reason for this supply shortfall is the lengthy development process that housing projects face in the GTA, slowed down by outdated regulation and red tape.

We should be updating zoning bylaws and official plans and streamlining the list of conditions for municipal approvals, so that we can build the housing our growing region needs. Only then will potential homebuyers be able to afford to make their dream of owning a home a reality.

The Bank of Canada held its target for the overnight rate at 1.75 per cent on Jan. 9, where it has been since October 2018, and is lowering its growth forecast this year for Canada and around the world.

It may be a new year, but not necessarily a happy one for everyone. A new CIBC poll finds paying down debt is the top financial priority for Canadians heading in 2019. Almost a third (29 per cent) say they've taken on more debt in the past 12 months, citing day-to-day expenses as the key reason for piling up debt.

Pantone’s 2019 Colour of the Year “Living Coral” can do almost anything, proving itself to be much more than just an accent colour. We sat down with Nicholas Rosaci, interior design expert and upcoming speaker at the 2019 GTA Home & Reno Show, to talk decor trends and learn how to incorporate this vibrant hue into our home for the upcoming year.

A team of volunteers from Great Gulf recently prepared and served food at Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in Toronto, by participating in the Home for Dinner program bringing smiles and a delicious, hot dinner to 150 people.

The GTA new home market saw more typical activity levels in November, both in new home sales and new project openings, after a relatively strong October, the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) reports.

Luxury home builder and land developer, Kylemore Communities/Angus Glen Development, embraced the spirit of giving this season with a donation to benefit Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation and by hosting an annual Holiday Celebration for consultants, suppliers and staff.

At Riobel we design, create and assemble faucets, shower systems and accessories in our Canadian facility located in St-Jérôme, a suburb of Montréal. Our modern and fashionable products are designed to fit all kitchens or bathrooms. They are easy to install, while mechanical parts are accessible from above the counter to facilitate cleaning and maintenance. Riobel: a benchmark of excellence since 1995!

Over the past 14 years Factory Tile Depot has become #1 for everything tile and stone. With 5 locations showcasing the latest and greatest trends in the tile industry, we have built the confidence of trade and retail clients alike. We are proud to offer well thought out showrooms, extensive selections of hard to find tile-stone, on site designers, and some of the best after care support in the industry. Experience the FTD difference on your next project.

Sharing Passion & Performance. With our unique expertise and sensibilities, gained from our devotion to sound and music, we are committed to creating excitement and cultural inspiration together with people around the world.

X-Tile is sure to have whatever you need to express your unique individual style. We offer you an exceptional variety of wall and flooring options in ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, glass, mosaic and much more from leading suppliers around the world. Let our knowledgeable and friendly staff help you in your dream renovation or building project.

Created by fusion of exceptional design, superior quartz quality and cutting-edge technology, HansStone Quartz weaves together intriguing patterns and colours inspired by the diverse Canadian landscape.

Cosentino is a global, family-owned company that produces and distributes high value innovative surfaces for the world of architecture and design, leaders in their respective segments such as Silestone® Quartz surfaces and Dekton® Ultracompact surfaces. Technologically advanced surfaces that create unique designs for the home and public spaces.

Fusion Stone is an easy and budget-friendly way to beautifully upgrade your home, inside and out. A patented Shouldice innovation, Fusion Stone is a thin stone veneer that is easily installed with the included stainless steel clips & screws. You just screw it to the wall and it’s “Hooked for Life”.

Euro-Line Appliances has brought elite European engineered appliances to Canadian homes for over 25 years. Our brands exceed expectations and have earned awards in design, engineering, performance, and energy efficiency. All of our cooking, refrigeration, dishwashers, and laundry appliances are created to conserve our non-renewable resources.

Since 1989 Men At Work has specialized in renewing and enlarging older houses in core Toronto neighbourhoods. We are experts in managing the challenges of renovating sensitive old buildings into beautiful, functional, comfortable living spaces.

With over 90 years of experience, BLANCO is the leading kitchen sinks and faucets manufacturer. From handcrafted in Germany Steelart® sinks and the beauty of Silgranit®, to the European design faucets, BLANCO products are celebrated worldwide for their unmatched quality and design. Blanco Silgranit® sinks are proudly manufactured in Canada TRADE ONLY.

Established in 1987, Caesarstone pioneered the original quartz surface and continues to be a leading developer and manufacturer of premium surfaces. Highly functional and design forward, Caesarstone surfaces have endless application possibilities including kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, wall paneling, furniture and more.

BONE Structure has designed and patented a structural steel frame and insulation system that is the best integrator to build Net-Zero Energy custom homes. Using an integrated process inspired by the aerospace industry, we design and build high-performance, sustainable homes.

More than a kitchen and bath luxury showroom, The Water Closet offers unparalleled service, selection and solutions for all your plumbing and heating needs. Our goal is to be your full-service showroom while “Enhancing the Flow of Life”.

Through our customer feedback, we have learned the importance of ‘service’. You said and we listened. We addressed your needs and improvised; bringing you services and quality no one in the industry offers.

Fisher & Paykel incorporates the world’s most innovative technologies and produce the most technically advanced, efficient and contemporary styled appliances. DCS created the first line of high end, commercial quality appliances and expanded to pioneer indoor and outdoor kitchen solutions for the at home chef. TRADE ONLY.

We've been proudly serving the community for more than 160 years. We deliver natural gas safely and reliably to two million homes and businesses across Ontario. With safety as our ongoing priority, we're committed to making communities better places to live.

Eco Choice Windows & Doors is a leading supplier and installer of quality windows and doors. We have been in business for over 15 years, installing windows and doors for many satisfied customers across the province. Simply put, we supply the best quality products, expertly installed, and built to enhance energy efficiency throughout the home.

For more than 25 years Ontario based Wood Mood has served customers seeking wood flooring in the Toronto, North York, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Woodbridge and Etobicoke areas, and has helped them with all aspects of their hardwood flooring. We sell and install new wood flooring and refinish existing floors and stairs, using water based environmentally responsible finishes.

See and meet top developers, builders, designers, and mortgage and Real Estate Professionals. Learn everything you need to know about buying, investing, decorating and turning your condo into your dream home.

Regular communication between you and your renovator is essential and may avoid problems.

Canadians love their homes. So much so that homeowners spent nearly $73 billion in 2017 on renovations, according to the Altus Group. That’s $20 billion more than is spent annually on building new homes across the country.

Unfortunately, everyone has a horror story about a home renovation gone wrong, from losing their deposit, spending more than you anticipated, or a project that took too long to finish. The reality is that the average homeowner doesn’t know all they should know when undertaking a renovation project.

Photography: Bigstock.com

To avoid disappointment and to set you on a path toward a successful renovation, RenoMark has come up with five steps to a worry-free renovation.

Define your project. The more you know what you want out of the renovation, the more accurately the renovators can help you achieve that goal.

Set your budget and expectations on the same path, if they are not realistic or in alignment, then you will be disappointed before you even start.

Select the right renovator, you should look to reputable organizations such as RenoMark as a source of professional companies. Plus, these companies must adhere to the RenoMark code of conduct and the Association’s code of ethics, this alone means that they are a professional and not a fly-by-night company.

Sign a contract. The contract should be reviewed by a lawyer and it will be the basis of understanding for the work moving forward. At a minimum, it should include costs, payment schedule, construction timeline, product-specific details, a communication protocol, warrantee clause, and a close-out plan. Avoid renovators who offer to do work without a contract in an attempt to avoid paying the HST. This type of renovator may also not be paying worker’s compensation or carry adequate insurance, leaving you at financial risk.

Check on Progress. Regular communication between you and your renovator is essential and may avoid problems. During the course of a renovation, it is common for the homeowners to request changes or ask for additional work. These requests may affect the cost and time it takes to complete your project. It is important that you have a signed change order for all changes. Finally, remember to ask questions. The last thing anybody wants is to make an assumption or a guess that may lead to an error and then disappointment.

RenoMark.ca is a great resource to help you find the right renovator. RenoMark was established by the GTA-based Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) to identify professional contractors that have agreed to abide by a renovation-specific Code of Conduct. The RenoMark program has been endorsed by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association and the Ontario Home Builders’ Association.

David Wilkes is president and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), the voice of the home building, land development and professional renovation industry in the GTA.

Choosing your finishes is a joyful rite of passage when buying a new condo – the first step in putting a personal stamp on a new home. But what if the finishes have been chosen for you? Or worse, were chosen by the builder 25 years ago?

The countdown is on! Only days remain till the annual Interior Design Show, Canada’s premier showcase of design taking place Jan. 17 to 20 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre but this year, in a new location in the South Building.

Established in 1987, Caesarstone pioneered the original quartz surface and continues to be a leading developer and manufacturer of premium surfaces. Highly functional and design forward, Caesarstone surfaces have endless application possibilities including kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, wall paneling, furniture and more.

BONE Structure has designed and patented a structural steel frame and insulation system that is the best integrator to build Net-Zero Energy custom homes. Using an integrated process inspired by the aerospace industry, we design and build high-performance, sustainable homes.

Through our customer feedback, we have learned the importance of ‘service’. You said and we listened. We addressed your needs and improvised; bringing you services and quality no one in the industry offers.

At Riobel we design, create and assemble faucets, shower systems and accessories in our Canadian facility located in St-Jérôme, a suburb of Montréal. Our modern and fashionable products are designed to fit all kitchens or bathrooms. They are easy to install, while mechanical parts are accessible from above the counter to facilitate cleaning and maintenance. Riobel: a benchmark of excellence since 1995!

More than a kitchen and bath luxury showroom, The Water Closet offers unparalleled service, selection and solutions for all your plumbing and heating needs. Our goal is to be your full-service showroom while “Enhancing the Flow of Life”.

Cosentino is a global, family-owned company that produces and distributes high value innovative surfaces for the world of architecture and design, leaders in their respective segments such as Silestone® Quartz surfaces and Dekton® Ultracompact surfaces. Technologically advanced surfaces that create unique designs for the home and public spaces.

Since 1989 Men At Work has specialized in renewing and enlarging older houses in core Toronto neighbourhoods. We are experts in managing the challenges of renovating sensitive old buildings into beautiful, functional, comfortable living spaces.

Euro-Line Appliances has brought elite European engineered appliances to Canadian homes for over 25 years. Our brands exceed expectations and have earned awards in design, engineering, performance, and energy efficiency. All of our cooking, refrigeration, dishwashers, and laundry appliances are created to conserve our non-renewable resources.

With over 90 years of experience, BLANCO is the leading kitchen sinks and faucets manufacturer. From handcrafted in Germany Steelart® sinks and the beauty of Silgranit®, to the European design faucets, BLANCO products are celebrated worldwide for their unmatched quality and design. Blanco Silgranit® sinks are proudly manufactured in Canada TRADE ONLY.

Over the past 14 years Factory Tile Depot has become #1 for everything tile and stone. With 5 locations showcasing the latest and greatest trends in the tile industry, we have built the confidence of trade and retail clients alike. We are proud to offer well thought out showrooms, extensive selections of hard to find tile-stone, on site designers, and some of the best after care support in the industry. Experience the FTD difference on your next project.

X-Tile is sure to have whatever you need to express your unique individual style. We offer you an exceptional variety of wall and flooring options in ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, glass, mosaic and much more from leading suppliers around the world. Let our knowledgeable and friendly staff help you in your dream renovation or building project.

Sharing Passion & Performance. With our unique expertise and sensibilities, gained from our devotion to sound and music, we are committed to creating excitement and cultural inspiration together with people around the world.

Fusion Stone is an easy and budget-friendly way to beautifully upgrade your home, inside and out. A patented Shouldice innovation, Fusion Stone is a thin stone veneer that is easily installed with the included stainless steel clips & screws. You just screw it to the wall and it’s “Hooked for Life”.

Fisher & Paykel incorporates the world’s most innovative technologies and produce the most technically advanced, efficient and contemporary styled appliances. DCS created the first line of high end, commercial quality appliances and expanded to pioneer indoor and outdoor kitchen solutions for the at home chef. TRADE ONLY.

Created by fusion of exceptional design, superior quartz quality and cutting-edge technology, HansStone Quartz weaves together intriguing patterns and colours inspired by the diverse Canadian landscape.

We've been proudly serving the community for more than 160 years. We deliver natural gas safely and reliably to two million homes and businesses across Ontario. With safety as our ongoing priority, we're committed to making communities better places to live.

Building condos in urban areas requires the use of traffic lanes

We often joke in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) that we have two seasons, winter and construction. Most people can do without winter, but construction is essential to city building. We put up with it because we know that infrastructure like roads, sewers and watermains, must be continually maintained to ensure the viability of our growing cities. The same can be said when it comes to new condo construction.

On occasion large construction projects like condos in the downtown core can take up traffic lanes and create traffic slowdowns. Unfortunately, to keep up with the influx of the 9.7 million people that will call the GTA home by 2041 and to build to Growth Plan policy, our industry will be building highrise buildings in urban areas that may slow down your daily commute.

A recent City of Toronto motion was put forth to consult with the development industry to eliminate the practice of occupying sidewalks and traffic lanes for construction purposes. While this might help ease traffic congestion, it does very little to help keep the cost of new homes down. If the development industry is forced to build off-site staging areas, instead of using the already in place and legal City right-of-way, the extra cost incurred by the industry will ultimately make new homes more expensive.

A construction staging area is a physical location used for the storage of construction related equipment and materials such as vehicles and stockpiles. The City has policies to deal with this issue and the construction industry pays hundreds of thousands of dollars per project to be able to use City property for this legally allowed and long standing purpose.

The provincial Growth Plan calls for more intensification in urban areas where transit is available and where people work. Therefore, the City of Toronto has urban design guidelines that allow for the construction of tall buildings very close to the property line. These are the challenges of building in an urban environment. There is little or no room to do anything on the site and the only way to build safely is to take a lane of public traffic.

The industry is constantly looking for ways to alleviate traffic construction by avoiding closing down lanes and keeping costs down by side-stepping building off-site staging sites that would ultimately increase the cost of a new home or condo.

Developers often reach out to residents for solutions. A developer of a midtown 70,000-square-foot condo was considering an underutilized park adjacent to the highrise as an alternative to using the street. Having to build a separate staging site at a cost of $1,000,000 would have increased the price of a condo by $20,000 or $30,000. Using the street is the best way to keep the development affordable.

Dave Wilkes is President and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD). Bild.ca

The Bank of Canada held its target for the overnight rate at 1.75 per cent on Jan. 9, where it has been since October 2018, and is lowering its growth forecast this year for Canada and around the world.

It may be a new year, but not necessarily a happy one for everyone. A new CIBC poll finds paying down debt is the top financial priority for Canadians heading in 2019. Almost a third (29 per cent) say they've taken on more debt in the past 12 months, citing day-to-day expenses as the key reason for piling up debt.

Pantone’s 2019 Colour of the Year “Living Coral” can do almost anything, proving itself to be much more than just an accent colour. We sat down with Nicholas Rosaci, interior design expert and upcoming speaker at the 2019 GTA Home & Reno Show, to talk decor trends and learn how to incorporate this vibrant hue into our home for the upcoming year.

A team of volunteers from Great Gulf recently prepared and served food at Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in Toronto, by participating in the Home for Dinner program bringing smiles and a delicious, hot dinner to 150 people.

The GTA new home market saw more typical activity levels in November, both in new home sales and new project openings, after a relatively strong October, the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) reports.

Luxury home builder and land developer, Kylemore Communities/Angus Glen Development, embraced the spirit of giving this season with a donation to benefit Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation and by hosting an annual Holiday Celebration for consultants, suppliers and staff.

Cosentino is a global, family-owned company that produces and distributes high value innovative surfaces for the world of architecture and design, leaders in their respective segments such as Silestone® Quartz surfaces and Dekton® Ultracompact surfaces. Technologically advanced surfaces that create unique designs for the home and public spaces.

Created by fusion of exceptional design, superior quartz quality and cutting-edge technology, HansStone Quartz weaves together intriguing patterns and colours inspired by the diverse Canadian landscape.

With over 90 years of experience, BLANCO is the leading kitchen sinks and faucets manufacturer. From handcrafted in Germany Steelart® sinks and the beauty of Silgranit®, to the European design faucets, BLANCO products are celebrated worldwide for their unmatched quality and design. Blanco Silgranit® sinks are proudly manufactured in Canada TRADE ONLY.

More than a kitchen and bath luxury showroom, The Water Closet offers unparalleled service, selection and solutions for all your plumbing and heating needs. Our goal is to be your full-service showroom while “Enhancing the Flow of Life”.

At Riobel we design, create and assemble faucets, shower systems and accessories in our Canadian facility located in St-Jérôme, a suburb of Montréal. Our modern and fashionable products are designed to fit all kitchens or bathrooms. They are easy to install, while mechanical parts are accessible from above the counter to facilitate cleaning and maintenance. Riobel: a benchmark of excellence since 1995!

Over the past 14 years Factory Tile Depot has become #1 for everything tile and stone. With 5 locations showcasing the latest and greatest trends in the tile industry, we have built the confidence of trade and retail clients alike. We are proud to offer well thought out showrooms, extensive selections of hard to find tile-stone, on site designers, and some of the best after care support in the industry. Experience the FTD difference on your next project.

X-Tile is sure to have whatever you need to express your unique individual style. We offer you an exceptional variety of wall and flooring options in ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, glass, mosaic and much more from leading suppliers around the world. Let our knowledgeable and friendly staff help you in your dream renovation or building project.

Fisher & Paykel incorporates the world’s most innovative technologies and produce the most technically advanced, efficient and contemporary styled appliances. DCS created the first line of high end, commercial quality appliances and expanded to pioneer indoor and outdoor kitchen solutions for the at home chef. TRADE ONLY.

BONE Structure has designed and patented a structural steel frame and insulation system that is the best integrator to build Net-Zero Energy custom homes. Using an integrated process inspired by the aerospace industry, we design and build high-performance, sustainable homes.

Since 1989 Men At Work has specialized in renewing and enlarging older houses in core Toronto neighbourhoods. We are experts in managing the challenges of renovating sensitive old buildings into beautiful, functional, comfortable living spaces.

Established in 1987, Caesarstone pioneered the original quartz surface and continues to be a leading developer and manufacturer of premium surfaces. Highly functional and design forward, Caesarstone surfaces have endless application possibilities including kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, wall paneling, furniture and more.

Sharing Passion & Performance. With our unique expertise and sensibilities, gained from our devotion to sound and music, we are committed to creating excitement and cultural inspiration together with people around the world.

Fusion Stone is an easy and budget-friendly way to beautifully upgrade your home, inside and out. A patented Shouldice innovation, Fusion Stone is a thin stone veneer that is easily installed with the included stainless steel clips & screws. You just screw it to the wall and it’s “Hooked for Life”.

Through our customer feedback, we have learned the importance of ‘service’. You said and we listened. We addressed your needs and improvised; bringing you services and quality no one in the industry offers.

Euro-Line Appliances has brought elite European engineered appliances to Canadian homes for over 25 years. Our brands exceed expectations and have earned awards in design, engineering, performance, and energy efficiency. All of our cooking, refrigeration, dishwashers, and laundry appliances are created to conserve our non-renewable resources.

We've been proudly serving the community for more than 160 years. We deliver natural gas safely and reliably to two million homes and businesses across Ontario. With safety as our ongoing priority, we're committed to making communities better places to live.

For over 170 years, STANLEY® has been synonymous with quality, reliability, innovation and value. From the “do-it-yourselfer” installing a ceiling fan to the professional contractor framing new homes, it’s a safe bet that Stanley has the right tool for the job.

Exclusive Tours specializes in Unique, Best in Class, Small Ship Cruising. Our Expertise, Knowledge and Vision provide you with the best Selection, Quality and Value. Proudly Canadian – we offer a truly comprehensive selection of exceptional small ship cruises.

Omega Kitchen Hoods: Specializing in Precast Range Hoods. Omega stone cast hoods are manufactured in a multitude of custom finishes including metallic offerings like copper, pewter and stainless steel, each one created with precision and durability. From inspiration to installation... With Omega Mantels & Mouldings.

Master Edge Homes is built upon a foundation of expertise and unparalleled craftsmanship. With a team of dedicated and diligent personnel, Master Edge Homes executes home builds and renovations precisely how you envisioned them. From design and build to complete renovation, we are passionate about exceeding excellence with meticulous design, skilled construction, and project management.

Ontario needs to revisit the GTA West Corridor plan

By Dave Wilkes

My workday has me driving across the GTA to attend meetings with stakeholders and I often find myself sitting in traffic on Highway 401 going nowhere fast. I see drivers commuting to work, trucks transporting goods across the region and many like me trying to get somewhere on time.

Earlier this year, the Ontario government decided on the advice of an advisory panel’s recommendation not to go forward with the GTA West Corridor; instead, a narrower corridor that is approximately one-third of the size of the analysis area of the environmental assessment will be protected from development.

While there have been some improvements, there have been no significant new highway additions to the western part of the GTA since Highway 407 nearly 20 years ago. A recent Metrolinx study notes that traffic congestion will cost GTA residents and businesses $7 billion a year by 2031.

Something must be done to improve traffic congestion in our region. Transportation infrastructure is vital to each and every one of us as it links people to where we live, work, shop and play.

Where does the cancellation leave the residents of the GTA? The GTA Corridor West was not just a proposed highway. It was a means to unlock both commercial and residential land for development. Its central location, running from Highway 400 in Vaughan, across Caledon and Halton Hills and connecting to highways 401/407 in Milton, would have been a pressure relief for existing highways. The economic benefits of the corridor would have been enormous. In Peel Region alone $1.8 billion in goods is moved to and from the area every day. Furthermore, four in nine jobs in Peel depend on the movement of goods.

The corridor would connect urban growth centres, facilitate the growth of new employment and business areas and create greater economic competitiveness. Much of the recent development in the Town of Milton happened around Highways 401 and 407. The GTA West Corridor would have had the same economic growth potential, bringing new housing to the GTA that will see its population grow to 9.7 million by 2041.

BILD strongly supports a transportation network like the one the GTA West Corridor would enable. It plays a significant role in sustaining the type of development that is in line with the province’s intensification policies. It would allow us to plan and create complete communities within the area, which is needed to meet future population growth.

During the 2018 provincial election campaign, the new provincial government made a commitment to re-visit the environmental assessment for the GTA West Corridor. It is important for the residents of the GTA that the provincial government make good on this promise.

David Wilkes is president and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Associatio (BILD).

The countdown is on! Only days remain till the annual Interior Design Show, Canada’s premier showcase of design taking place Jan. 17 to 20 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre but this year, in a new location in the South Building.

Fusion Stone is an easy and budget-friendly way to beautifully upgrade your home, inside and out. A patented Shouldice innovation, Fusion Stone is a thin stone veneer that is easily installed with the included stainless steel clips & screws. You just screw it to the wall and it’s “Hooked for Life”.

Created by fusion of exceptional design, superior quartz quality and cutting-edge technology, HansStone Quartz weaves together intriguing patterns and colours inspired by the diverse Canadian landscape.

We've been proudly serving the community for more than 160 years. We deliver natural gas safely and reliably to two million homes and businesses across Ontario. With safety as our ongoing priority, we're committed to making communities better places to live.

More than a kitchen and bath luxury showroom, The Water Closet offers unparalleled service, selection and solutions for all your plumbing and heating needs. Our goal is to be your full-service showroom while “Enhancing the Flow of Life”.

Customers may not feel comfortable asking you for discretion, but they always appreciate it.

Did you ever have a potential customer who should have been excited about doing business with you but seemed reserved?
It happened in a weird way for me. The senior managers seated around the boardroom table were excited that their new technology would disrupt their market and separate them from every competitor. They had brought me in to help craft their sales message and to eventually train their reps on how to introduce it to their customers.
Along with their excitement, though, I sensed some tension. So after I was introduced, my first remark was: "I know this goes without saying. I just want it known for the record that everything we discuss here will be treated by me as confidential."
I immediately noticed this huge look of relief on the face of the CEO. From that point on, things went just fine.
Customers may not feel comfortable asking you for discretion, but they always appreciate it. Unfortunately, in today's world of social media, coffee shops used as offices and cellphones that record anything anywhere, confidentiality seems to be backsliding into a state of dangerous decline. That's why you can gain tremendous trust with customers by simply following these five unwritten rules of customer confidentiality. Ignore them at your peril.
Rule #1: Know that you are in a position of trust: We've all heard of doctor/patient confidentiality and lawyer/client privilege. Doctors and lawyers are sworn to secrecy about their customers' affairs for good reason. Your customers deserve the same discretion from you. When you talk to others about your customers, assume that the customer is in the room with you, or will read everything you post or write about them. If what you're sharing isn't complimentary and publically known, then keep it to yourself.
Rule #2: Starbucks isn't a confession booth: I once hired a consultant who was based in another city to do some work on our website. We scheduled a conversation about my brand and target market. To my dismay, he logs into the call from a coffee shop. Throughout our conversation, I'm seeing customers come and go in the background. Not only was it distracting, it felt like a violation of my privacy as a client. There are good reasons why lawyers and accountants won't host you in their office. Instead, meetings are held in a private room. One reason is that you shouldn't see confidential files lying on their desk from other clients. Another reason is so your meeting will not be seen or overheard by others. Coffee shops are for casual coffee, not for doing business.
Rule #3: There's a difference between small talk and prying: Ever have this happen to you in a restaurant while you're paying for the meal: the server is standing by your table waiting for you to input your credit card PIN on the portable device and asks, "So what are your plans for the rest of the day (evening, weekend, whatever)?" Pardon? When did our relationship as patron/server evolve to the intimacy of me needing to share my weekend plans? The key to making small talk sound natural and appropriate is context and relevance. Unless you've been chatting about weekend plans with that person, better to stick to safe topics like the weather.
Rule #4: Yes, your cellphone conversation is annoying: People who talk at length on cellphones around other people sound like jackasses. Seriously. It reflects a total lack of self-awareness and distain for basic civility. It also tells people around them they don't respect the privacy of the person on the other end of the phone. They're damaging their own reputation and are too oblivious to realize it. Don't be one of them. Move to a quiet area and lower your voice.
Rule #5: Strong feelings don't necessitate expressing them: This is perhaps the most important confidentiality lesson at work and in life. We can't unsay, unpost, or unTweet our opinions and observations. No doubt you can think of numerous examples at work and in the news where a little discretion and self-restraint would have saved significant fallout. While it's tempting to be drawn into adding our two cents to a discussion, perhaps the greatest contribution we can make to the relationship is remaining silent. We hope in turn that when we say or do something less than brilliant, others won't share it with the world. Ironically, kindness and maturity are often best reflected — and trust is sometimes most strongly earned — by simply shutting up.

Jeff Mowatt is a customer service strategist and speaker based in Calgary. This article is based on his bestselling book, Influence with Ease.

Customers may not feel comfortable asking you for discretion, but they always appreciate it.

Did you ever have a potential customer who should have been excited about doing business with you but seemed reserved?
It happened in a weird way for me. The senior managers seated around the boardroom table were excited that their new technology would disrupt their market and separate them from every competitor. They had brought me in to help craft their sales message and to eventually train their reps on how to introduce it to their customers.
Along with their excitement, though, I sensed some tension. So after I was introduced, my first remark was: "I know this goes without saying. I just want it known for the record that everything we discuss here will be treated by me as confidential."
I immediately noticed this huge look of relief on the face of the CEO. From that point on, things went just fine.
Customers may not feel comfortable asking you for discretion, but they always appreciate it. Unfortunately, in today's world of social media, coffee shops used as offices and cellphones that record anything anywhere, confidentiality seems to be backsliding into a state of dangerous decline. That's why you can gain tremendous trust with customers by simply following these five unwritten rules of customer confidentiality. Ignore them at your peril.
Rule #1: Know that you are in a position of trust: We've all heard of doctor/patient confidentiality and lawyer/client privilege. Doctors and lawyers are sworn to secrecy about their customers' affairs for good reason. Your customers deserve the same discretion from you. When you talk to others about your customers, assume that the customer is in the room with you, or will read everything you post or write about them. If what you're sharing isn't complimentary and publically known, then keep it to yourself.
Rule #2: Starbucks isn't a confession booth: I once hired a consultant who was based in another city to do some work on our website. We scheduled a conversation about my brand and target market. To my dismay, he logs into the call from a coffee shop. Throughout our conversation, I'm seeing customers come and go in the background. Not only was it distracting, it felt like a violation of my privacy as a client. There are good reasons why lawyers and accountants won't host you in their office. Instead, meetings are held in a private room. One reason is that you shouldn't see confidential files lying on their desk from other clients. Another reason is so your meeting will not be seen or overheard by others. Coffee shops are for casual coffee, not for doing business.
Rule #3: There's a difference between small talk and prying: Ever have this happen to you in a restaurant while you're paying for the meal: the server is standing by your table waiting for you to input your credit card PIN on the portable device and asks, "So what are your plans for the rest of the day (evening, weekend, whatever)?" Pardon? When did our relationship as patron/server evolve to the intimacy of me needing to share my weekend plans? The key to making small talk sound natural and appropriate is context and relevance. Unless you've been chatting about weekend plans with that person, better to stick to safe topics like the weather.
Rule #4: Yes, your cellphone conversation is annoying: People who talk at length on cellphones around other people sound like jackasses. Seriously. It reflects a total lack of self-awareness and distain for basic civility. It also tells people around them they don't respect the privacy of the person on the other end of the phone. They're damaging their own reputation and are too oblivious to realize it. Don't be one of them. Move to a quiet area and lower your voice.
Rule #5: Strong feelings don't necessitate expressing them: This is perhaps the most important confidentiality lesson at work and in life. We can't unsay, unpost, or unTweet our opinions and observations. No doubt you can think of numerous examples at work and in the news where a little discretion and self-restraint would have saved significant fallout. While it's tempting to be drawn into adding our two cents to a discussion, perhaps the greatest contribution we can make to the relationship is remaining silent. We hope in turn that when we say or do something less than brilliant, others won't share it with the world. Ironically, kindness and maturity are often best reflected — and trust is sometimes most strongly earned — by simply shutting up.

Jeff Mowatt is a customer service strategist and speaker based in Calgary. This article is based on his bestselling book, Influence with Ease.

DRIcore is the first and most important step towards creating a new living space as warm and comfortable as any other space in your home. DRIcore is the one-step engineered subfloor solution that is specifically designed for basements. The raised moisture barrier covers cold, damp concrete to protect, insulate and cushion your finished floors.

Masco Canada Ltd. is the Canadian plumbing division of MASCO Corporation and represents brands including Delta, Brizo, Hansgrohe, Axor, BrassCraft, Master Plumber, and Waltec. MASCO Canada Limited is dedicated to complete customer satisfaction and responsiveness to the unique Canadian marketplace.

You chose your new Chrysler because you wanted something far beyond the ordinary. It just makes sense that your ownership experience should be just as special. That's why we're committed to exceeding your expectations for as long as you have your Chrysler.

SFA SANIFLO INC. (“SANIFLO”) is the only manufacturer of its kind in North America offering a complete line of macerating toilet systems for residential and light-commercial applications where installation of plumbing fixtures with below-floor drainage is impossible or cost-prohibitive.

Gentek has everything you need to create an exquisite home exterior. Our handsomely crafted profiles, inviting colours and rich textures will embrace your every idea and inspiration - making your home a true reflection of your personal taste.

Customers may not feel comfortable asking you for discretion, but they always appreciate it.

Did you ever have a potential customer who should have been excited about doing business with you but seemed reserved?
It happened in a weird way for me. The senior managers seated around the boardroom table were excited that their new technology would disrupt their market and separate them from every competitor. They had brought me in to help craft their sales message and to eventually train their reps on how to introduce it to their customers.
Along with their excitement, though, I sensed some tension. So after I was introduced, my first remark was: "I know this goes without saying. I just want it known for the record that everything we discuss here will be treated by me as confidential."
I immediately noticed this huge look of relief on the face of the CEO. From that point on, things went just fine.
Customers may not feel comfortable asking you for discretion, but they always appreciate it. Unfortunately, in today's world of social media, coffee shops used as offices and cellphones that record anything anywhere, confidentiality seems to be backsliding into a state of dangerous decline. That's why you can gain tremendous trust with customers by simply following these five unwritten rules of customer confidentiality. Ignore them at your peril.
Rule #1: Know that you are in a position of trust: We've all heard of doctor/patient confidentiality and lawyer/client privilege. Doctors and lawyers are sworn to secrecy about their customers' affairs for good reason. Your customers deserve the same discretion from you. When you talk to others about your customers, assume that the customer is in the room with you, or will read everything you post or write about them. If what you're sharing isn't complimentary and publically known, then keep it to yourself.
Rule #2: Starbucks isn't a confession booth: I once hired a consultant who was based in another city to do some work on our website. We scheduled a conversation about my brand and target market. To my dismay, he logs into the call from a coffee shop. Throughout our conversation, I'm seeing customers come and go in the background. Not only was it distracting, it felt like a violation of my privacy as a client. There are good reasons why lawyers and accountants won't host you in their office. Instead, meetings are held in a private room. One reason is that you shouldn't see confidential files lying on their desk from other clients. Another reason is so your meeting will not be seen or overheard by others. Coffee shops are for casual coffee, not for doing business.
Rule #3: There's a difference between small talk and prying: Ever have this happen to you in a restaurant while you're paying for the meal: the server is standing by your table waiting for you to input your credit card PIN on the portable device and asks, "So what are your plans for the rest of the day (evening, weekend, whatever)?" Pardon? When did our relationship as patron/server evolve to the intimacy of me needing to share my weekend plans? The key to making small talk sound natural and appropriate is context and relevance. Unless you've been chatting about weekend plans with that person, better to stick to safe topics like the weather.
Rule #4: Yes, your cellphone conversation is annoying: People who talk at length on cellphones around other people sound like jackasses. Seriously. It reflects a total lack of self-awareness and distain for basic civility. It also tells people around them they don't respect the privacy of the person on the other end of the phone. They're damaging their own reputation and are too oblivious to realize it. Don't be one of them. Move to a quiet area and lower your voice.
Rule #5: Strong feelings don't necessitate expressing them: This is perhaps the most important confidentiality lesson at work and in life. We can't unsay, unpost, or unTweet our opinions and observations. No doubt you can think of numerous examples at work and in the news where a little discretion and self-restraint would have saved significant fallout. While it's tempting to be drawn into adding our two cents to a discussion, perhaps the greatest contribution we can make to the relationship is remaining silent. We hope in turn that when we say or do something less than brilliant, others won't share it with the world. Ironically, kindness and maturity are often best reflected — and trust is sometimes most strongly earned — by simply shutting up.

Jeff Mowatt is a customer service strategist and speaker based in Calgary. This article is based on his bestselling book, Influence with Ease.

Home construction and renovation the largest contributor to Canada’s underground economy

Looking to custom-build a home or do your dream renovation – and save a few bucks by using unlicensed contractors? One, you’re not alone. And two, it could be a huge, costly mistake. Indeed, residential construction is by far the largest contributor to Canada’s underground economy, according to Statistics Canada. In 2016, this sector was responsible for 26.6 per cent – or $13.7 billion – of this activity, compared to 13.5 per cent for the retail trade, and 12.1 per cent for accommodation and food services.

The underground economy is defined as consisting of market-based economic activities, whether legal or illegal, that escape measurement because of their hidden, illegal or informal nature.

And the numbers are huge – totaling $51.6 billion in Canada for 2016, or 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product, and up 3.5 per cent from 2015.

The underground economy in Canada is even outperforming the total economy – increasing 3.5 per cent from 2015 to 2016, compared to the 2.0 per cent growth in total economy GDP.

Underground economy by province and territory

Ontario was responsible for the largest contribution in 2016 – $19.7 billion, compared to $11.9 million in Quebec, $7.6 billion in BC and $5.8 billion in Alberta.

As a percentage of GDP

Why you should care

Why should you care about this issue?

On a more global scale, underground economic activity means taxes are not collected – topay for programs and services such as healthcare, education, parks, child benefits, Old Age Security and Employment Insurance.

More directly for you, however, is that an “under the table” home reno or custom-build puts you at risk. Not only do you have limited recourse if the project is not done to your liking, or is over time and budget, but you could also could be liable if a worker is injured on-site during a home renovation or if you unknowingly purchase damaged goods or shoddy service with no receipt.

Always get a contract or receipt

Cash deals with no paperwork may mean a business isn’t paying its taxes. You may be liable if something goes wrong.

RenoMark protection

In the Greater Toronto Area, the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) helps homeowners make informed decisions about renovation projects through a program called RenoMark. The program was established in 2001 and is now delivered in partnership with the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) and local home builders’ associations across Canada.

RenoMark identifies professional contractors who have agreed to abide by a renovation-specific Code of Conduct. The Renovators Mark of Excellence makes it easy for homeowners to identify participating professional renovators who have agreed to provide a superior level of service.

Get it in writing

Make sure to get the details of any reno project in writing and signed by both you and your contractor. RenoMark Renovators provide a two-year warranty.

Do your research

Ask for at least three references and always check them

By dealing with reputable businesses that follow the rules, you’re also helping workers. Honest businesses follow health, safety and other employment standards.

The Canadian Home Builder’s Association also offers free and unbiased information on how to hire a contractor the smart and safe way, at getitinwriting.ca

RELATED READING

The countdown is on! Only days remain till the annual Interior Design Show, Canada’s premier showcase of design taking place Jan. 17 to 20 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre but this year, in a new location in the South Building.

Fusion Stone is an easy and budget-friendly way to beautifully upgrade your home, inside and out. A patented Shouldice innovation, Fusion Stone is a thin stone veneer that is easily installed with the included stainless steel clips & screws. You just screw it to the wall and it’s “Hooked for Life”.

More than a kitchen and bath luxury showroom, The Water Closet offers unparalleled service, selection and solutions for all your plumbing and heating needs. Our goal is to be your full-service showroom while “Enhancing the Flow of Life”.

Customers may not feel comfortable asking you for discretion, but they always appreciate it.

Did you ever have a potential customer who should have been excited about doing business with you but seemed reserved?
It happened in a weird way for me. The senior managers seated around the boardroom table were excited that their new technology would disrupt their market and separate them from every competitor. They had brought me in to help craft their sales message and to eventually train their reps on how to introduce it to their customers.
Along with their excitement, though, I sensed some tension. So after I was introduced, my first remark was: "I know this goes without saying. I just want it known for the record that everything we discuss here will be treated by me as confidential."
I immediately noticed this huge look of relief on the face of the CEO. From that point on, things went just fine.
Customers may not feel comfortable asking you for discretion, but they always appreciate it. Unfortunately, in today's world of social media, coffee shops used as offices and cellphones that record anything anywhere, confidentiality seems to be backsliding into a state of dangerous decline. That's why you can gain tremendous trust with customers by simply following these five unwritten rules of customer confidentiality. Ignore them at your peril.
Rule #1: Know that you are in a position of trust: We've all heard of doctor/patient confidentiality and lawyer/client privilege. Doctors and lawyers are sworn to secrecy about their customers' affairs for good reason. Your customers deserve the same discretion from you. When you talk to others about your customers, assume that the customer is in the room with you, or will read everything you post or write about them. If what you're sharing isn't complimentary and publically known, then keep it to yourself.
Rule #2: Starbucks isn't a confession booth: I once hired a consultant who was based in another city to do some work on our website. We scheduled a conversation about my brand and target market. To my dismay, he logs into the call from a coffee shop. Throughout our conversation, I'm seeing customers come and go in the background. Not only was it distracting, it felt like a violation of my privacy as a client. There are good reasons why lawyers and accountants won't host you in their office. Instead, meetings are held in a private room. One reason is that you shouldn't see confidential files lying on their desk from other clients. Another reason is so your meeting will not be seen or overheard by others. Coffee shops are for casual coffee, not for doing business.
Rule #3: There's a difference between small talk and prying: Ever have this happen to you in a restaurant while you're paying for the meal: the server is standing by your table waiting for you to input your credit card PIN on the portable device and asks, "So what are your plans for the rest of the day (evening, weekend, whatever)?" Pardon? When did our relationship as patron/server evolve to the intimacy of me needing to share my weekend plans? The key to making small talk sound natural and appropriate is context and relevance. Unless you've been chatting about weekend plans with that person, better to stick to safe topics like the weather.
Rule #4: Yes, your cellphone conversation is annoying: People who talk at length on cellphones around other people sound like jackasses. Seriously. It reflects a total lack of self-awareness and distain for basic civility. It also tells people around them they don't respect the privacy of the person on the other end of the phone. They're damaging their own reputation and are too oblivious to realize it. Don't be one of them. Move to a quiet area and lower your voice.
Rule #5: Strong feelings don't necessitate expressing them: This is perhaps the most important confidentiality lesson at work and in life. We can't unsay, unpost, or unTweet our opinions and observations. No doubt you can think of numerous examples at work and in the news where a little discretion and self-restraint would have saved significant fallout. While it's tempting to be drawn into adding our two cents to a discussion, perhaps the greatest contribution we can make to the relationship is remaining silent. We hope in turn that when we say or do something less than brilliant, others won't share it with the world. Ironically, kindness and maturity are often best reflected — and trust is sometimes most strongly earned — by simply shutting up.

Jeff Mowatt is a customer service strategist and speaker based in Calgary. This article is based on his bestselling book, Influence with Ease.

Created by fusion of exceptional design, superior quartz quality and cutting-edge technology, HansStone Quartz weaves together intriguing patterns and colours inspired by the diverse Canadian landscape.

We've been proudly serving the community for more than 160 years. We deliver natural gas safely and reliably to two million homes and businesses across Ontario. With safety as our ongoing priority, we're committed to making communities better places to live.

Masco Canada Ltd. is the Canadian plumbing division of MASCO Corporation and represents brands including Delta, Brizo, Hansgrohe, Axor, BrassCraft, Master Plumber, and Waltec. MASCO Canada Limited is dedicated to complete customer satisfaction and responsiveness to the unique Canadian marketplace.

You chose your new Chrysler because you wanted something far beyond the ordinary. It just makes sense that your ownership experience should be just as special. That's why we're committed to exceeding your expectations for as long as you have your Chrysler.

Customers may not feel comfortable asking you for discretion, but they always appreciate it.

Did you ever have a potential customer who should have been excited about doing business with you but seemed reserved?
It happened in a weird way for me. The senior managers seated around the boardroom table were excited that their new technology would disrupt their market and separate them from every competitor. They had brought me in to help craft their sales message and to eventually train their reps on how to introduce it to their customers.
Along with their excitement, though, I sensed some tension. So after I was introduced, my first remark was: "I know this goes without saying. I just want it known for the record that everything we discuss here will be treated by me as confidential."
I immediately noticed this huge look of relief on the face of the CEO. From that point on, things went just fine.
Customers may not feel comfortable asking you for discretion, but they always appreciate it. Unfortunately, in today's world of social media, coffee shops used as offices and cellphones that record anything anywhere, confidentiality seems to be backsliding into a state of dangerous decline. That's why you can gain tremendous trust with customers by simply following these five unwritten rules of customer confidentiality. Ignore them at your peril.
Rule #1: Know that you are in a position of trust: We've all heard of doctor/patient confidentiality and lawyer/client privilege. Doctors and lawyers are sworn to secrecy about their customers' affairs for good reason. Your customers deserve the same discretion from you. When you talk to others about your customers, assume that the customer is in the room with you, or will read everything you post or write about them. If what you're sharing isn't complimentary and publically known, then keep it to yourself.
Rule #2: Starbucks isn't a confession booth: I once hired a consultant who was based in another city to do some work on our website. We scheduled a conversation about my brand and target market. To my dismay, he logs into the call from a coffee shop. Throughout our conversation, I'm seeing customers come and go in the background. Not only was it distracting, it felt like a violation of my privacy as a client. There are good reasons why lawyers and accountants won't host you in their office. Instead, meetings are held in a private room. One reason is that you shouldn't see confidential files lying on their desk from other clients. Another reason is so your meeting will not be seen or overheard by others. Coffee shops are for casual coffee, not for doing business.
Rule #3: There's a difference between small talk and prying: Ever have this happen to you in a restaurant while you're paying for the meal: the server is standing by your table waiting for you to input your credit card PIN on the portable device and asks, "So what are your plans for the rest of the day (evening, weekend, whatever)?" Pardon? When did our relationship as patron/server evolve to the intimacy of me needing to share my weekend plans? The key to making small talk sound natural and appropriate is context and relevance. Unless you've been chatting about weekend plans with that person, better to stick to safe topics like the weather.
Rule #4: Yes, your cellphone conversation is annoying: People who talk at length on cellphones around other people sound like jackasses. Seriously. It reflects a total lack of self-awareness and distain for basic civility. It also tells people around them they don't respect the privacy of the person on the other end of the phone. They're damaging their own reputation and are too oblivious to realize it. Don't be one of them. Move to a quiet area and lower your voice.
Rule #5: Strong feelings don't necessitate expressing them: This is perhaps the most important confidentiality lesson at work and in life. We can't unsay, unpost, or unTweet our opinions and observations. No doubt you can think of numerous examples at work and in the news where a little discretion and self-restraint would have saved significant fallout. While it's tempting to be drawn into adding our two cents to a discussion, perhaps the greatest contribution we can make to the relationship is remaining silent. We hope in turn that when we say or do something less than brilliant, others won't share it with the world. Ironically, kindness and maturity are often best reflected — and trust is sometimes most strongly earned — by simply shutting up.

Jeff Mowatt is a customer service strategist and speaker based in Calgary. This article is based on his bestselling book, Influence with Ease.

DRIcore is the first and most important step towards creating a new living space as warm and comfortable as any other space in your home. DRIcore is the one-step engineered subfloor solution that is specifically designed for basements. The raised moisture barrier covers cold, damp concrete to protect, insulate and cushion your finished floors.

Customers may not feel comfortable asking you for discretion, but they always appreciate it.

Did you ever have a potential customer who should have been excited about doing business with you but seemed reserved?
It happened in a weird way for me. The senior managers seated around the boardroom table were excited that their new technology would disrupt their market and separate them from every competitor. They had brought me in to help craft their sales message and to eventually train their reps on how to introduce it to their customers.
Along with their excitement, though, I sensed some tension. So after I was introduced, my first remark was: "I know this goes without saying. I just want it known for the record that everything we discuss here will be treated by me as confidential."
I immediately noticed this huge look of relief on the face of the CEO. From that point on, things went just fine.
Customers may not feel comfortable asking you for discretion, but they always appreciate it. Unfortunately, in today's world of social media, coffee shops used as offices and cellphones that record anything anywhere, confidentiality seems to be backsliding into a state of dangerous decline. That's why you can gain tremendous trust with customers by simply following these five unwritten rules of customer confidentiality. Ignore them at your peril.
Rule #1: Know that you are in a position of trust: We've all heard of doctor/patient confidentiality and lawyer/client privilege. Doctors and lawyers are sworn to secrecy about their customers' affairs for good reason. Your customers deserve the same discretion from you. When you talk to others about your customers, assume that the customer is in the room with you, or will read everything you post or write about them. If what you're sharing isn't complimentary and publically known, then keep it to yourself.
Rule #2: Starbucks isn't a confession booth: I once hired a consultant who was based in another city to do some work on our website. We scheduled a conversation about my brand and target market. To my dismay, he logs into the call from a coffee shop. Throughout our conversation, I'm seeing customers come and go in the background. Not only was it distracting, it felt like a violation of my privacy as a client. There are good reasons why lawyers and accountants won't host you in their office. Instead, meetings are held in a private room. One reason is that you shouldn't see confidential files lying on their desk from other clients. Another reason is so your meeting will not be seen or overheard by others. Coffee shops are for casual coffee, not for doing business.
Rule #3: There's a difference between small talk and prying: Ever have this happen to you in a restaurant while you're paying for the meal: the server is standing by your table waiting for you to input your credit card PIN on the portable device and asks, "So what are your plans for the rest of the day (evening, weekend, whatever)?" Pardon? When did our relationship as patron/server evolve to the intimacy of me needing to share my weekend plans? The key to making small talk sound natural and appropriate is context and relevance. Unless you've been chatting about weekend plans with that person, better to stick to safe topics like the weather.
Rule #4: Yes, your cellphone conversation is annoying: People who talk at length on cellphones around other people sound like jackasses. Seriously. It reflects a total lack of self-awareness and distain for basic civility. It also tells people around them they don't respect the privacy of the person on the other end of the phone. They're damaging their own reputation and are too oblivious to realize it. Don't be one of them. Move to a quiet area and lower your voice.
Rule #5: Strong feelings don't necessitate expressing them: This is perhaps the most important confidentiality lesson at work and in life. We can't unsay, unpost, or unTweet our opinions and observations. No doubt you can think of numerous examples at work and in the news where a little discretion and self-restraint would have saved significant fallout. While it's tempting to be drawn into adding our two cents to a discussion, perhaps the greatest contribution we can make to the relationship is remaining silent. We hope in turn that when we say or do something less than brilliant, others won't share it with the world. Ironically, kindness and maturity are often best reflected — and trust is sometimes most strongly earned — by simply shutting up.

Jeff Mowatt is a customer service strategist and speaker based in Calgary. This article is based on his bestselling book, Influence with Ease.

Build For Growth: Housing Affordability

Band-Aid solutions will not address a generational challenge

It seems that every month or so, a new poll is released that shows that housing affordability is top of mind for GTA residents, and almost every week media covers the issue from a variety of angles. Commentators examine residents’ ability to purchase a home, the percentage of income spent on rent, the impact of new government rules, housing availability and the far-reaching societal consequences of the current situation.

So far, government interventions have focused on the demand side, including efforts to keep rent down through rent control, increasing the cost of housing for non-residents through the Non-Resident Speculation Tax, and more stringent mortgage qualification requirements. These steps have had the desired cooling effect but, as evidenced by experience in other markets, the effects may be transitory as the market adjusts. These are Band-Aid solutions that address the symptoms but do not deal with the fundamental issue. If we are to truly solve the challenges facing the GTA housing market, governments also need to address the supply side of the equation.

Unfortunately, it takes a long time to add new housing in our region. The rules and processes that worked in the past now struggle to keep up. That means that these days it takes approximately 10 years to complete a new highrise or lowrise project in the GTA. It is not just a question of the actual construction, but also the planning, zoning, approvals, infrastructure and servicing of land required to support development. This slow pace of bringing new homes to market has two practical implications. First, it exacerbates tight supply in a high-demand region, keeping prices up. Second, it means that unless current population projections of 9.7 million people in the GTA by 2041 are wrong, or there is a significant increase in migration away from the region, affordability challenges will be with us for some time.

As the municipal election campaigns unfold, we have heard pledges focused on increasing housing supply. These campaign promises have tended to focus on increasing the supply of affordable rental properties rather than on increasing housing supply overall. There are two problems with this approach. Almost two-thirds of Canadians live in homes they own rather than rent and these efforts do little for those aspiring to own. More importantly, and sadly for those trying to put an affordable roof over their heads today, given the lead time for adding new housing stock, these campaign pledges will not materialize as new homes any time soon.

If there is to be a meaningful solution to the generational housing challenge facing the GTA, governments must focus on removing the barriers to adding new housing supply, at the pace required, in the density desired under provincial growth plans, and preferably with access to transit.

That is why, as the municipal elections approach, we are encouraging GTA residents to have conversations with their local candidates about housing affordability and supply. You can send an email to your candidates at BuildForGrowth.ca

The Bank of Canada held its target for the overnight rate at 1.75 per cent on Jan. 9, where it has been since October 2018, and is lowering its growth forecast this year for Canada and around the world.

It may be a new year, but not necessarily a happy one for everyone. A new CIBC poll finds paying down debt is the top financial priority for Canadians heading in 2019. Almost a third (29 per cent) say they've taken on more debt in the past 12 months, citing day-to-day expenses as the key reason for piling up debt.

Pantone’s 2019 Colour of the Year “Living Coral” can do almost anything, proving itself to be much more than just an accent colour. We sat down with Nicholas Rosaci, interior design expert and upcoming speaker at the 2019 GTA Home & Reno Show, to talk decor trends and learn how to incorporate this vibrant hue into our home for the upcoming year.

A team of volunteers from Great Gulf recently prepared and served food at Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in Toronto, by participating in the Home for Dinner program bringing smiles and a delicious, hot dinner to 150 people.

The GTA new home market saw more typical activity levels in November, both in new home sales and new project openings, after a relatively strong October, the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) reports.

Luxury home builder and land developer, Kylemore Communities/Angus Glen Development, embraced the spirit of giving this season with a donation to benefit Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation and by hosting an annual Holiday Celebration for consultants, suppliers and staff.

BONE Structure has designed and patented a structural steel frame and insulation system that is the best integrator to build Net-Zero Energy custom homes. Using an integrated process inspired by the aerospace industry, we design and build high-performance, sustainable homes.

Established in 1987, Caesarstone pioneered the original quartz surface and continues to be a leading developer and manufacturer of premium surfaces. Highly functional and design forward, Caesarstone surfaces have endless application possibilities including kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, wall paneling, furniture and more.

Over the past 14 years Factory Tile Depot has become #1 for everything tile and stone. With 5 locations showcasing the latest and greatest trends in the tile industry, we have built the confidence of trade and retail clients alike. We are proud to offer well thought out showrooms, extensive selections of hard to find tile-stone, on site designers, and some of the best after care support in the industry. Experience the FTD difference on your next project.

Fisher & Paykel incorporates the world’s most innovative technologies and produce the most technically advanced, efficient and contemporary styled appliances. DCS created the first line of high end, commercial quality appliances and expanded to pioneer indoor and outdoor kitchen solutions for the at home chef. TRADE ONLY.

More than a kitchen and bath luxury showroom, The Water Closet offers unparalleled service, selection and solutions for all your plumbing and heating needs. Our goal is to be your full-service showroom while “Enhancing the Flow of Life”.

At Riobel we design, create and assemble faucets, shower systems and accessories in our Canadian facility located in St-Jérôme, a suburb of Montréal. Our modern and fashionable products are designed to fit all kitchens or bathrooms. They are easy to install, while mechanical parts are accessible from above the counter to facilitate cleaning and maintenance. Riobel: a benchmark of excellence since 1995!

Cosentino is a global, family-owned company that produces and distributes high value innovative surfaces for the world of architecture and design, leaders in their respective segments such as Silestone® Quartz surfaces and Dekton® Ultracompact surfaces. Technologically advanced surfaces that create unique designs for the home and public spaces.

Fusion Stone is an easy and budget-friendly way to beautifully upgrade your home, inside and out. A patented Shouldice innovation, Fusion Stone is a thin stone veneer that is easily installed with the included stainless steel clips & screws. You just screw it to the wall and it’s “Hooked for Life”.

Since 1989 Men At Work has specialized in renewing and enlarging older houses in core Toronto neighbourhoods. We are experts in managing the challenges of renovating sensitive old buildings into beautiful, functional, comfortable living spaces.

Created by fusion of exceptional design, superior quartz quality and cutting-edge technology, HansStone Quartz weaves together intriguing patterns and colours inspired by the diverse Canadian landscape.

Sharing Passion & Performance. With our unique expertise and sensibilities, gained from our devotion to sound and music, we are committed to creating excitement and cultural inspiration together with people around the world.

Euro-Line Appliances has brought elite European engineered appliances to Canadian homes for over 25 years. Our brands exceed expectations and have earned awards in design, engineering, performance, and energy efficiency. All of our cooking, refrigeration, dishwashers, and laundry appliances are created to conserve our non-renewable resources.

Through our customer feedback, we have learned the importance of ‘service’. You said and we listened. We addressed your needs and improvised; bringing you services and quality no one in the industry offers.

X-Tile is sure to have whatever you need to express your unique individual style. We offer you an exceptional variety of wall and flooring options in ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, glass, mosaic and much more from leading suppliers around the world. Let our knowledgeable and friendly staff help you in your dream renovation or building project.

We've been proudly serving the community for more than 160 years. We deliver natural gas safely and reliably to two million homes and businesses across Ontario. With safety as our ongoing priority, we're committed to making communities better places to live.

With over 90 years of experience, BLANCO is the leading kitchen sinks and faucets manufacturer. From handcrafted in Germany Steelart® sinks and the beauty of Silgranit®, to the European design faucets, BLANCO products are celebrated worldwide for their unmatched quality and design. Blanco Silgranit® sinks are proudly manufactured in Canada TRADE ONLY.

Fiberglass Door specialist. Proudly serving the GTA for over 30 years. Have the look of wood with benefits of fiberglass! Custom entry door system, no maintenance, warp/rust resistant and energy efficient. Complementary in home or office estimate. “Create Your Style, Your Way!”

The Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness is a national, charitable organization that has served Canadians since 1993. The Centre’s mandate is to significantly reduce the incidence and impact of abuse through education and public awareness. CCAA operates solely on private donations with no sustaining funds from any government body.

THE INDUSTRY LEADER: Where did the money go?

Parkland dedication fees should be used to build parks in the GTA.

Did you realize that when you sell and buy a new home in the GTA, as much as a quarter of the price consists of fees, taxes and charges imposed by the three levels of government?

Given how much these government levies add to the cost, it makes sense that we want governments to be responsible and transparent about how the funds are spent. Unfortunately, this is not always the case — and new homebuyers may be left wondering: “Where did the money go?”

One example is the parkland dedication fee. Ontario’s Planning Act allows municipalities to require that each new development contribute land for a park, or pay a fee to be used to purchase parkland, or to pay for buildings and machinery for parks or other recreational purposes. The idea behind parkland dedication is that adding new homes and offices applies additional pressures on existing parks, which can be relieved by asking development to contribute new ones.

Our industry supports the expansion of parkland in the GTA to accommodate growth. Parks provide enjoyment and recreation for residents, workers and visitors, as well as habitat for wildlife. But what happens when you pay for a park and don’t get one? We question whether parkland fees are always invested properly.

The City of Toronto, for instance, requires that a residential development in a parkland acquisition priority area — which covers most of the city — contribute 0.4 hectares per 300 units, with a cap of 10 to 20 per cent of the site area, or payment in lieu. Because development sites in the city tend to be small, many developments contribute money instead of land. This parkland fee can add almost $20,000 to the cost of a new highrise condo suite unit in Toronto. And parkland fees are even higher in other municipalities in the GTA.

According to an 2017 report from city staff, Toronto collected $482,930,013 cash-in-lieu-of-parkland payments from residential and industrial development for the 10 years between 2006 and September 2016. As of the end of September 2016, $196,454,624 in the city’s parkland reserve funds remained uncommitted. Shouldn’t this money actually be used for parkland acquisition and development? The city needs a realistic plan for how they are going to spend the money and provide residents with the parks they paid for.

Now there’s a proposal to update the rate of cash-in-lieu-of-parkland in many areas where significant development is happening — including the Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood, and downtown Toronto. All of the proposed formulas would increase costs for new homeowners, further eroding housing affordability in the city. When you pay for a park, you should get one, or you should at least know how the money will be spent. All government fees imposed on new homeowners should be invested in a transparent and responsible manner. The upcoming municipal elections are a great opportunity to contact your local candidates about this and other housing issues.

The countdown is on! Only days remain till the annual Interior Design Show, Canada’s premier showcase of design taking place Jan. 17 to 20 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre but this year, in a new location in the South Building.

We've been proudly serving the community for more than 160 years. We deliver natural gas safely and reliably to two million homes and businesses across Ontario. With safety as our ongoing priority, we're committed to making communities better places to live.

Customers may not feel comfortable asking you for discretion, but they always appreciate it.

Did you ever have a potential customer who should have been excited about doing business with you but seemed reserved?
It happened in a weird way for me. The senior managers seated around the boardroom table were excited that their new technology would disrupt their market and separate them from every competitor. They had brought me in to help craft their sales message and to eventually train their reps on how to introduce it to their customers.
Along with their excitement, though, I sensed some tension. So after I was introduced, my first remark was: "I know this goes without saying. I just want it known for the record that everything we discuss here will be treated by me as confidential."
I immediately noticed this huge look of relief on the face of the CEO. From that point on, things went just fine.
Customers may not feel comfortable asking you for discretion, but they always appreciate it. Unfortunately, in today's world of social media, coffee shops used as offices and cellphones that record anything anywhere, confidentiality seems to be backsliding into a state of dangerous decline. That's why you can gain tremendous trust with customers by simply following these five unwritten rules of customer confidentiality. Ignore them at your peril.
Rule #1: Know that you are in a position of trust: We've all heard of doctor/patient confidentiality and lawyer/client privilege. Doctors and lawyers are sworn to secrecy about their customers' affairs for good reason. Your customers deserve the same discretion from you. When you talk to others about your customers, assume that the customer is in the room with you, or will read everything you post or write about them. If what you're sharing isn't complimentary and publically known, then keep it to yourself.
Rule #2: Starbucks isn't a confession booth: I once hired a consultant who was based in another city to do some work on our website. We scheduled a conversation about my brand and target market. To my dismay, he logs into the call from a coffee shop. Throughout our conversation, I'm seeing customers come and go in the background. Not only was it distracting, it felt like a violation of my privacy as a client. There are good reasons why lawyers and accountants won't host you in their office. Instead, meetings are held in a private room. One reason is that you shouldn't see confidential files lying on their desk from other clients. Another reason is so your meeting will not be seen or overheard by others. Coffee shops are for casual coffee, not for doing business.
Rule #3: There's a difference between small talk and prying: Ever have this happen to you in a restaurant while you're paying for the meal: the server is standing by your table waiting for you to input your credit card PIN on the portable device and asks, "So what are your plans for the rest of the day (evening, weekend, whatever)?" Pardon? When did our relationship as patron/server evolve to the intimacy of me needing to share my weekend plans? The key to making small talk sound natural and appropriate is context and relevance. Unless you've been chatting about weekend plans with that person, better to stick to safe topics like the weather.
Rule #4: Yes, your cellphone conversation is annoying: People who talk at length on cellphones around other people sound like jackasses. Seriously. It reflects a total lack of self-awareness and distain for basic civility. It also tells people around them they don't respect the privacy of the person on the other end of the phone. They're damaging their own reputation and are too oblivious to realize it. Don't be one of them. Move to a quiet area and lower your voice.
Rule #5: Strong feelings don't necessitate expressing them: This is perhaps the most important confidentiality lesson at work and in life. We can't unsay, unpost, or unTweet our opinions and observations. No doubt you can think of numerous examples at work and in the news where a little discretion and self-restraint would have saved significant fallout. While it's tempting to be drawn into adding our two cents to a discussion, perhaps the greatest contribution we can make to the relationship is remaining silent. We hope in turn that when we say or do something less than brilliant, others won't share it with the world. Ironically, kindness and maturity are often best reflected — and trust is sometimes most strongly earned — by simply shutting up.

Jeff Mowatt is a customer service strategist and speaker based in Calgary. This article is based on his bestselling book, Influence with Ease.

More than a kitchen and bath luxury showroom, The Water Closet offers unparalleled service, selection and solutions for all your plumbing and heating needs. Our goal is to be your full-service showroom while “Enhancing the Flow of Life”.

Fusion Stone is an easy and budget-friendly way to beautifully upgrade your home, inside and out. A patented Shouldice innovation, Fusion Stone is a thin stone veneer that is easily installed with the included stainless steel clips & screws. You just screw it to the wall and it’s “Hooked for Life”.

Created by fusion of exceptional design, superior quartz quality and cutting-edge technology, HansStone Quartz weaves together intriguing patterns and colours inspired by the diverse Canadian landscape.

DRIcore is the first and most important step towards creating a new living space as warm and comfortable as any other space in your home. DRIcore is the one-step engineered subfloor solution that is specifically designed for basements. The raised moisture barrier covers cold, damp concrete to protect, insulate and cushion your finished floors.

Gentek has everything you need to create an exquisite home exterior. Our handsomely crafted profiles, inviting colours and rich textures will embrace your every idea and inspiration - making your home a true reflection of your personal taste.

Masco Canada Ltd. is the Canadian plumbing division of MASCO Corporation and represents brands including Delta, Brizo, Hansgrohe, Axor, BrassCraft, Master Plumber, and Waltec. MASCO Canada Limited is dedicated to complete customer satisfaction and responsiveness to the unique Canadian marketplace.

Customers may not feel comfortable asking you for discretion, but they always appreciate it.

Did you ever have a potential customer who should have been excited about doing business with you but seemed reserved?
It happened in a weird way for me. The senior managers seated around the boardroom table were excited that their new technology would disrupt their market and separate them from every competitor. They had brought me in to help craft their sales message and to eventually train their reps on how to introduce it to their customers.
Along with their excitement, though, I sensed some tension. So after I was introduced, my first remark was: "I know this goes without saying. I just want it known for the record that everything we discuss here will be treated by me as confidential."
I immediately noticed this huge look of relief on the face of the CEO. From that point on, things went just fine.
Customers may not feel comfortable asking you for discretion, but they always appreciate it. Unfortunately, in today's world of social media, coffee shops used as offices and cellphones that record anything anywhere, confidentiality seems to be backsliding into a state of dangerous decline. That's why you can gain tremendous trust with customers by simply following these five unwritten rules of customer confidentiality. Ignore them at your peril.
Rule #1: Know that you are in a position of trust: We've all heard of doctor/patient confidentiality and lawyer/client privilege. Doctors and lawyers are sworn to secrecy about their customers' affairs for good reason. Your customers deserve the same discretion from you. When you talk to others about your customers, assume that the customer is in the room with you, or will read everything you post or write about them. If what you're sharing isn't complimentary and publically known, then keep it to yourself.
Rule #2: Starbucks isn't a confession booth: I once hired a consultant who was based in another city to do some work on our website. We scheduled a conversation about my brand and target market. To my dismay, he logs into the call from a coffee shop. Throughout our conversation, I'm seeing customers come and go in the background. Not only was it distracting, it felt like a violation of my privacy as a client. There are good reasons why lawyers and accountants won't host you in their office. Instead, meetings are held in a private room. One reason is that you shouldn't see confidential files lying on their desk from other clients. Another reason is so your meeting will not be seen or overheard by others. Coffee shops are for casual coffee, not for doing business.
Rule #3: There's a difference between small talk and prying: Ever have this happen to you in a restaurant while you're paying for the meal: the server is standing by your table waiting for you to input your credit card PIN on the portable device and asks, "So what are your plans for the rest of the day (evening, weekend, whatever)?" Pardon? When did our relationship as patron/server evolve to the intimacy of me needing to share my weekend plans? The key to making small talk sound natural and appropriate is context and relevance. Unless you've been chatting about weekend plans with that person, better to stick to safe topics like the weather.
Rule #4: Yes, your cellphone conversation is annoying: People who talk at length on cellphones around other people sound like jackasses. Seriously. It reflects a total lack of self-awareness and distain for basic civility. It also tells people around them they don't respect the privacy of the person on the other end of the phone. They're damaging their own reputation and are too oblivious to realize it. Don't be one of them. Move to a quiet area and lower your voice.
Rule #5: Strong feelings don't necessitate expressing them: This is perhaps the most important confidentiality lesson at work and in life. We can't unsay, unpost, or unTweet our opinions and observations. No doubt you can think of numerous examples at work and in the news where a little discretion and self-restraint would have saved significant fallout. While it's tempting to be drawn into adding our two cents to a discussion, perhaps the greatest contribution we can make to the relationship is remaining silent. We hope in turn that when we say or do something less than brilliant, others won't share it with the world. Ironically, kindness and maturity are often best reflected — and trust is sometimes most strongly earned — by simply shutting up.

Jeff Mowatt is a customer service strategist and speaker based in Calgary. This article is based on his bestselling book, Influence with Ease.

SFA SANIFLO INC. (“SANIFLO”) is the only manufacturer of its kind in North America offering a complete line of macerating toilet systems for residential and light-commercial applications where installation of plumbing fixtures with below-floor drainage is impossible or cost-prohibitive.

Customers may not feel comfortable asking you for discretion, but they always appreciate it.

Did you ever have a potential customer who should have been excited about doing business with you but seemed reserved?
It happened in a weird way for me. The senior managers seated around the boardroom table were excited that their new technology would disrupt their market and separate them from every competitor. They had brought me in to help craft their sales message and to eventually train their reps on how to introduce it to their customers.
Along with their excitement, though, I sensed some tension. So after I was introduced, my first remark was: "I know this goes without saying. I just want it known for the record that everything we discuss here will be treated by me as confidential."
I immediately noticed this huge look of relief on the face of the CEO. From that point on, things went just fine.
Customers may not feel comfortable asking you for discretion, but they always appreciate it. Unfortunately, in today's world of social media, coffee shops used as offices and cellphones that record anything anywhere, confidentiality seems to be backsliding into a state of dangerous decline. That's why you can gain tremendous trust with customers by simply following these five unwritten rules of customer confidentiality. Ignore them at your peril.
Rule #1: Know that you are in a position of trust: We've all heard of doctor/patient confidentiality and lawyer/client privilege. Doctors and lawyers are sworn to secrecy about their customers' affairs for good reason. Your customers deserve the same discretion from you. When you talk to others about your customers, assume that the customer is in the room with you, or will read everything you post or write about them. If what you're sharing isn't complimentary and publically known, then keep it to yourself.
Rule #2: Starbucks isn't a confession booth: I once hired a consultant who was based in another city to do some work on our website. We scheduled a conversation about my brand and target market. To my dismay, he logs into the call from a coffee shop. Throughout our conversation, I'm seeing customers come and go in the background. Not only was it distracting, it felt like a violation of my privacy as a client. There are good reasons why lawyers and accountants won't host you in their office. Instead, meetings are held in a private room. One reason is that you shouldn't see confidential files lying on their desk from other clients. Another reason is so your meeting will not be seen or overheard by others. Coffee shops are for casual coffee, not for doing business.
Rule #3: There's a difference between small talk and prying: Ever have this happen to you in a restaurant while you're paying for the meal: the server is standing by your table waiting for you to input your credit card PIN on the portable device and asks, "So what are your plans for the rest of the day (evening, weekend, whatever)?" Pardon? When did our relationship as patron/server evolve to the intimacy of me needing to share my weekend plans? The key to making small talk sound natural and appropriate is context and relevance. Unless you've been chatting about weekend plans with that person, better to stick to safe topics like the weather.
Rule #4: Yes, your cellphone conversation is annoying: People who talk at length on cellphones around other people sound like jackasses. Seriously. It reflects a total lack of self-awareness and distain for basic civility. It also tells people around them they don't respect the privacy of the person on the other end of the phone. They're damaging their own reputation and are too oblivious to realize it. Don't be one of them. Move to a quiet area and lower your voice.
Rule #5: Strong feelings don't necessitate expressing them: This is perhaps the most important confidentiality lesson at work and in life. We can't unsay, unpost, or unTweet our opinions and observations. No doubt you can think of numerous examples at work and in the news where a little discretion and self-restraint would have saved significant fallout. While it's tempting to be drawn into adding our two cents to a discussion, perhaps the greatest contribution we can make to the relationship is remaining silent. We hope in turn that when we say or do something less than brilliant, others won't share it with the world. Ironically, kindness and maturity are often best reflected — and trust is sometimes most strongly earned — by simply shutting up.

Jeff Mowatt is a customer service strategist and speaker based in Calgary. This article is based on his bestselling book, Influence with Ease.

You chose your new Chrysler because you wanted something far beyond the ordinary. It just makes sense that your ownership experience should be just as special. That's why we're committed to exceeding your expectations for as long as you have your Chrysler.

New home market sees prices holding steady

Sales of new homes in the GTA slowed down in July while prices held steady, the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) announced last week.

Total July new home sales of 1,071 units were down 44 per cent from last July and down 55 per cent from the 10-year average, according to Altus Group, BILD’s official source for new home market intelligence. Sales of new condominium apartments in low, medium and highrise buildings, stacked townhouses and loft units, at 855 units sold, were down 52 per cent from July 2017 and down 40 per cent from the 10-year average.

Sales of new single-family homes, including detached, linked and semi-detached houses and townhouses (excluding stacked townhouses), at 216 units sold, were up 85 per cent from last July — a month that saw the lowest single-family home sales in decades, with 117 units sold — but still 77 per cent below the 10-year average.

The benchmark price of new condominium apartments was $774,759, up 16.5 per cent from last July, but virtually unchanged from last month. The benchmark price of new single-family homes was $1,142,574, down 13.2 per cent from last July and just 0.85 per cent above last month.

“New home sales in the GTA typically take a breather in the summer months compared to the spring,” explained Patricia Arsenault, Altus Group’s executive vice president. “This July was no exception, although minimal new project launches in July, along with declining affordability of new condominium apartments due to recent price escalation, amplified the June-to-July decline in sales somewhat this year.”

With only two projects opening in July, the total remaining new home inventory decreased to 14,784 units, comprised of 9,931 condo apartment units and 4,853 single-family units. Remaining inventory includes units in preconstruction projects, in projects currently under construction and in completed buildings.

“We are still seeing a shortfall in condo apartment inventory,” said Dave Wilkes, BILD president and CEO. “Given the current pace of sales, we should have nine to 12 months worth of inventory, but we only have five. We expect that more condo apartment product will become available in the fall.”

Wilkes added that affordability remains an issue for many buyers.

“The prices of new homes are affected by, among other factors, the fees, taxes and charges added by all levels of government,” he said. “Municipalities have the most direct influence over affordability and supply of new housing, so leading up to the October 22 municipal elections, we are inviting people to send an email to their local candidates, asking them to make housing a priority. Start by visiting buildforgrowth.ca.”

The Bank of Canada held its target for the overnight rate at 1.75 per cent on Jan. 9, where it has been since October 2018, and is lowering its growth forecast this year for Canada and around the world.

It may be a new year, but not necessarily a happy one for everyone. A new CIBC poll finds paying down debt is the top financial priority for Canadians heading in 2019. Almost a third (29 per cent) say they've taken on more debt in the past 12 months, citing day-to-day expenses as the key reason for piling up debt.

Pantone’s 2019 Colour of the Year “Living Coral” can do almost anything, proving itself to be much more than just an accent colour. We sat down with Nicholas Rosaci, interior design expert and upcoming speaker at the 2019 GTA Home & Reno Show, to talk decor trends and learn how to incorporate this vibrant hue into our home for the upcoming year.

A team of volunteers from Great Gulf recently prepared and served food at Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in Toronto, by participating in the Home for Dinner program bringing smiles and a delicious, hot dinner to 150 people.

The GTA new home market saw more typical activity levels in November, both in new home sales and new project openings, after a relatively strong October, the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) reports.

Luxury home builder and land developer, Kylemore Communities/Angus Glen Development, embraced the spirit of giving this season with a donation to benefit Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation and by hosting an annual Holiday Celebration for consultants, suppliers and staff.

Created by fusion of exceptional design, superior quartz quality and cutting-edge technology, HansStone Quartz weaves together intriguing patterns and colours inspired by the diverse Canadian landscape.

Cosentino is a global, family-owned company that produces and distributes high value innovative surfaces for the world of architecture and design, leaders in their respective segments such as Silestone® Quartz surfaces and Dekton® Ultracompact surfaces. Technologically advanced surfaces that create unique designs for the home and public spaces.

Over the past 14 years Factory Tile Depot has become #1 for everything tile and stone. With 5 locations showcasing the latest and greatest trends in the tile industry, we have built the confidence of trade and retail clients alike. We are proud to offer well thought out showrooms, extensive selections of hard to find tile-stone, on site designers, and some of the best after care support in the industry. Experience the FTD difference on your next project.

Fisher & Paykel incorporates the world’s most innovative technologies and produce the most technically advanced, efficient and contemporary styled appliances. DCS created the first line of high end, commercial quality appliances and expanded to pioneer indoor and outdoor kitchen solutions for the at home chef. TRADE ONLY.

BONE Structure has designed and patented a structural steel frame and insulation system that is the best integrator to build Net-Zero Energy custom homes. Using an integrated process inspired by the aerospace industry, we design and build high-performance, sustainable homes.

X-Tile is sure to have whatever you need to express your unique individual style. We offer you an exceptional variety of wall and flooring options in ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, glass, mosaic and much more from leading suppliers around the world. Let our knowledgeable and friendly staff help you in your dream renovation or building project.

Established in 1987, Caesarstone pioneered the original quartz surface and continues to be a leading developer and manufacturer of premium surfaces. Highly functional and design forward, Caesarstone surfaces have endless application possibilities including kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, wall paneling, furniture and more.

Since 1989 Men At Work has specialized in renewing and enlarging older houses in core Toronto neighbourhoods. We are experts in managing the challenges of renovating sensitive old buildings into beautiful, functional, comfortable living spaces.

Through our customer feedback, we have learned the importance of ‘service’. You said and we listened. We addressed your needs and improvised; bringing you services and quality no one in the industry offers.

More than a kitchen and bath luxury showroom, The Water Closet offers unparalleled service, selection and solutions for all your plumbing and heating needs. Our goal is to be your full-service showroom while “Enhancing the Flow of Life”.

We've been proudly serving the community for more than 160 years. We deliver natural gas safely and reliably to two million homes and businesses across Ontario. With safety as our ongoing priority, we're committed to making communities better places to live.

Euro-Line Appliances has brought elite European engineered appliances to Canadian homes for over 25 years. Our brands exceed expectations and have earned awards in design, engineering, performance, and energy efficiency. All of our cooking, refrigeration, dishwashers, and laundry appliances are created to conserve our non-renewable resources.

With over 90 years of experience, BLANCO is the leading kitchen sinks and faucets manufacturer. From handcrafted in Germany Steelart® sinks and the beauty of Silgranit®, to the European design faucets, BLANCO products are celebrated worldwide for their unmatched quality and design. Blanco Silgranit® sinks are proudly manufactured in Canada TRADE ONLY.

Sharing Passion & Performance. With our unique expertise and sensibilities, gained from our devotion to sound and music, we are committed to creating excitement and cultural inspiration together with people around the world.

Fusion Stone is an easy and budget-friendly way to beautifully upgrade your home, inside and out. A patented Shouldice innovation, Fusion Stone is a thin stone veneer that is easily installed with the included stainless steel clips & screws. You just screw it to the wall and it’s “Hooked for Life”.

At Riobel we design, create and assemble faucets, shower systems and accessories in our Canadian facility located in St-Jérôme, a suburb of Montréal. Our modern and fashionable products are designed to fit all kitchens or bathrooms. They are easy to install, while mechanical parts are accessible from above the counter to facilitate cleaning and maintenance. Riobel: a benchmark of excellence since 1995!

Founded in 2009, Gliding Shelf Solutions Inc’s mission is “To manufacture, market and sell the best pull out shelves for Canadians at affordable prices backed by a high level of service”. Our product is designed to retro fit your existing cabinets and furniture. The process is easy, and affordable, with minimal disruption to achieve the maximum results in creating more space and accessibility, keeping you organized, making your life easier.

With 46 years of experience providing the absolute best in Air Conditioning & Heating service, we at Applewood continue with a family tradition of quality and value. Regardless of how small or large the project, Applewood’s customers can be assured they will receive discerningly personalized services – something not possible from companies owned by corporate conglomerates.

INDUSTRY EXPERT: The Waiting Game

by David Wilkes

Looking to renovate? Getting permits and approval may take longer than the work itself

Your family is growing and you need more space. You have two options. You can sell your house and move into a bigger home, or you can renovate your home and add more living space. You love your neighbourhood and do not want to move, so you decide to renovate.

Your first inclination may be to focus on the latest trends and finishes, but before you do that, your time is much better invested in getting the necessary approvals and permits. In some cities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), that can take months for a smaller renovation and up to a year for more ambitious projects.

Photography: bigstock.com

REALITY BITES

Many homeowners are under the mistaken impression that it is as simple as filing your plans and obtaining your permit—a week or two and on to swinging hammers. The reality can be quite different. When planning a major renovation or custom-home build, the approval and permitting times can stretch for months, and may include multiple steps of getting approvals for variances to existing zoning requirements, setback regulations and obtaining approvals from other municipal departments like Urban Forestry. If re-zoning through the Committee of Adjustment is required, the entire process can take well up to a year.

Layered onto this, many municipalities are failing to meet The Ontario Building Code’s timeframes of just issuing a building permit in 10 business days, delaying renovation projects and adding unnecessary costs to projects. In 2017, in the City of Toronto, nearly half of all residential building permits were not issued within the required legislated timeframe.

RENO RED TAPE

The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) reviewed 6,011 City of Toronto permits and the average timeframe for issuing these permits was 31.4 calendar days. That is two to two-and-a-half times the provincially mandated maximum. It is important to note that this review included thousands of applications from very basic and quick permits, to permits with values of over $100,000; the issuing of these permits took an average of 45 days or six weeks.

Further delays in the process come from a lack of access to inspectors and inspection delays that can tangle homeowners up in even more red tape. Your dream renovation has now become a bureaucratic nightmare. The permit and approval system needs a good renovation itself.

PROPOSED SOLUTIONS

BILD wants to put the customer first so they can enjoy their newly renovated or custom-built home sooner rather than later. Based on our members’ experience, we wrote the Service Standard of Excellence document to provide practical guidance to municipalities on how to speed up approvals and make the process more efficient.

We are asking cities to commit to a reasonable turnaround time for renovation permit applications, we are proposing the implementation of a one-window permitting, web-based portal that makes the application process smoother and transparent, and we are calling for improved service by building inspectors similar to the standards expected for Internet and telephone providers.

As we get closer to the 2018 Municipal Elections this fall, we will be meeting with councillors and mayors across the GTA to ask them to adopt the measures outlined in the Service Standards of Excellence and get them to provide building and renovation approvals and permits in line with the provincially mandated requirements.

David Wilkes is president and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), the voice of the home building, land development and professional renovation industry in the GTA.

Choosing your finishes is a joyful rite of passage when buying a new condo – the first step in putting a personal stamp on a new home. But what if the finishes have been chosen for you? Or worse, were chosen by the builder 25 years ago?

The countdown is on! Only days remain till the annual Interior Design Show, Canada’s premier showcase of design taking place Jan. 17 to 20 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre but this year, in a new location in the South Building.

We've been proudly serving the community for more than 160 years. We deliver natural gas safely and reliably to two million homes and businesses across Ontario. With safety as our ongoing priority, we're committed to making communities better places to live.

With over 90 years of experience, BLANCO is the leading kitchen sinks and faucets manufacturer. From handcrafted in Germany Steelart® sinks and the beauty of Silgranit®, to the European design faucets, BLANCO products are celebrated worldwide for their unmatched quality and design. Blanco Silgranit® sinks are proudly manufactured in Canada TRADE ONLY.

Fusion Stone is an easy and budget-friendly way to beautifully upgrade your home, inside and out. A patented Shouldice innovation, Fusion Stone is a thin stone veneer that is easily installed with the included stainless steel clips & screws. You just screw it to the wall and it’s “Hooked for Life”.

Established in 1987, Caesarstone pioneered the original quartz surface and continues to be a leading developer and manufacturer of premium surfaces. Highly functional and design forward, Caesarstone surfaces have endless application possibilities including kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, wall paneling, furniture and more.

Since 1989 Men At Work has specialized in renewing and enlarging older houses in core Toronto neighbourhoods. We are experts in managing the challenges of renovating sensitive old buildings into beautiful, functional, comfortable living spaces.

Fisher & Paykel incorporates the world’s most innovative technologies and produce the most technically advanced, efficient and contemporary styled appliances. DCS created the first line of high end, commercial quality appliances and expanded to pioneer indoor and outdoor kitchen solutions for the at home chef. TRADE ONLY.

Sharing Passion & Performance. With our unique expertise and sensibilities, gained from our devotion to sound and music, we are committed to creating excitement and cultural inspiration together with people around the world.

More than a kitchen and bath luxury showroom, The Water Closet offers unparalleled service, selection and solutions for all your plumbing and heating needs. Our goal is to be your full-service showroom while “Enhancing the Flow of Life”.

BONE Structure has designed and patented a structural steel frame and insulation system that is the best integrator to build Net-Zero Energy custom homes. Using an integrated process inspired by the aerospace industry, we design and build high-performance, sustainable homes.

Cosentino is a global, family-owned company that produces and distributes high value innovative surfaces for the world of architecture and design, leaders in their respective segments such as Silestone® Quartz surfaces and Dekton® Ultracompact surfaces. Technologically advanced surfaces that create unique designs for the home and public spaces.

Through our customer feedback, we have learned the importance of ‘service’. You said and we listened. We addressed your needs and improvised; bringing you services and quality no one in the industry offers.

Created by fusion of exceptional design, superior quartz quality and cutting-edge technology, HansStone Quartz weaves together intriguing patterns and colours inspired by the diverse Canadian landscape.

Euro-Line Appliances has brought elite European engineered appliances to Canadian homes for over 25 years. Our brands exceed expectations and have earned awards in design, engineering, performance, and energy efficiency. All of our cooking, refrigeration, dishwashers, and laundry appliances are created to conserve our non-renewable resources.

X-Tile is sure to have whatever you need to express your unique individual style. We offer you an exceptional variety of wall and flooring options in ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, glass, mosaic and much more from leading suppliers around the world. Let our knowledgeable and friendly staff help you in your dream renovation or building project.

Over the past 14 years Factory Tile Depot has become #1 for everything tile and stone. With 5 locations showcasing the latest and greatest trends in the tile industry, we have built the confidence of trade and retail clients alike. We are proud to offer well thought out showrooms, extensive selections of hard to find tile-stone, on site designers, and some of the best after care support in the industry. Experience the FTD difference on your next project.

At Riobel we design, create and assemble faucets, shower systems and accessories in our Canadian facility located in St-Jérôme, a suburb of Montréal. Our modern and fashionable products are designed to fit all kitchens or bathrooms. They are easy to install, while mechanical parts are accessible from above the counter to facilitate cleaning and maintenance. Riobel: a benchmark of excellence since 1995!

Euro-Line Appliances has brought elite European engineered appliances to Canadian homes for over 25 years. Our brands exceed expectations and have earned awards in design, engineering, performance, and energy efficiency. Euro-Line Appliances are proud distributors of products from AEG, LIEBHERR, PORTER&CHARLES, SMEG, and FRANKE in Canada.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is the premiere association for kitchen and bath professionals. Fifty years after its inception, the NKBA has a membership of more than 60,000 members and is the proud owner of the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS).